The number
of automotive nameplates that have stuck around as long as the 2017 Firebird Pontiac
are few and far between. In its half-century — it marks its 50th birthday this
year — Pontiac’s long-standing 2+2 “Eagle” has become a piece of Americana, as
much as Elvis or baseball. This is a good thing, as the U.S. automaker plans on
selling its all-new, sixth-generation 2017 Firebird Pontiac around the world.

While the
2017 Firebird’s front-end takes its cues from the Trans Am car, the rest of the
design is pure Firebird, with leaner proportions inspired by the 1967 to 1977
Firebirds also on hand in the Pontiac design studio.

Parked
directly next to the outgoing 2016 Firebird, the 2017 Firebird edition sports
the same wheelbase and overall length, but it’s much lower in height, and has a
lower rear deck and a wider rear track. Its A-pillar has been moved back for a
longer hood. The pillar is now hidden. And the 2017 Firebird’s so-called “hockey
stick” body side cut-out (a feature that’s been there since the original) has
been dropped to make the car appear longer,

Benefiting
from a purpose-built Firebird chassis — the 2017 Firebird is more space-efficient
inside as well, with better outward visibility, a roomier cabin and a bigger
trunk.

Also, in
anticipation of attracting more import-brand buyers, the 2017 Firebird Pontiac
gets over 15 new technology offerings, such as adaptive cruise control and
collision warning, a new four-mode (Normal, Sport+, Track, Snow/Rain)
driver-selectable system that tunes the Firebird’s steering, stability controls
and engine, individual tire pressure monitoring system, and intelligent key
access and push start.

If the
production 2017 Firebirds end up anywhere near as well-crafted as the prototype
we were sitting in, Pontiac has upped the ante in fit and finish and use of
high-quality materials compared to its less-refined competition. Throughout the
new 2017 Firebird cabin, you’ll find soft-touch plastics and real aluminum and
leather assembled tightly and accurately.